EIGHTH ANNUAL VISION SYMPOSIUM 2025

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8th Annual Kansas Vision Symposium

 Date: November 7, 2025

Location: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita

Cost:  FREE with lunch provided the day of the event

Who: Vision professionals (TSVIs, COMS, Braille Transcribers, Instructional Assistants, Early Intervention Providers) along with general and special education professionals, administrators & agencies who work with students with a visual impairment are encouraged to attend.

2025 Vision Symposium Speakers: Cory Scheer, Cathy Smyth, Stephanie Walker, Taylor McDonald, Paige Buckingham, Jane Korsten, Lisa Karney, Kia Boyd.

​This one day FREE training will focus on the research and practice in effective Specialized Instruction for students with a Visual Impairment.

Raffle prizes available for registered attendees.

Friday Agenda: 
7:30-8:00 Registration
8:00-8:30 Welcome
8:30-9:30 Keynote Speaker (Cory Scheer) The Trust Advantage - Unlocking Leadership, Team, and Organizational Greatness
9:35-10:35 Session 1
10:45-11:45 Session 2
11:50-12:50 Lunch & Vendor Fair
1:00-2:00 Session 3
2:10-3:10 Session 4
3:15-3:30 Wrap Up and Raffle Prize Announcements

NOTE:  “The content and presentations of the Vision Symposium are intended to address the specific needs/interests of TSVIs/COMS in Kansas. Other district employees are welcome to register/attend with the understanding that the focus of the event will be geared toward certified professionals in the field of vision.”

Featured Presenters:

Dr. Cory Scheer - Cory Scheer is the Founder and CEO of TrustCentric® Consulting, an organizational and leadership development firm. TrustCentric® helps leaders, teams, and organizations become more trustworthy, focused, and productive by: using empirical evidence to define reality, implementing a proven trust building framework, and walking alongside clients to develop clear, obtainable, and long lasting data informed strategies for success. Core solutions that TrustCentric® provides include: Comprehensive Organizational Trust Assessments©, Executive and Team Coaching, Strengthening Organizational Trust Workshops, Strategic Planning Retreats, Keynote / Seminar Speaking, Leadership Development Cohorts, and ongoing organizational and leadership development consultative support.

Dr. Cathy Smyth is an independent research and educational consultant out of Fort Collins, Colorado. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah Visual Impairments Program, an adjunct Professor at Lindenwood University for the Early Intervention Sensory Impairments program and a partner in podcasting for Feeling This Life. Dr. Smyth has been an early intervention provider for families of young children with blindness and low vision for over thirty years.

Stephanie Walker serves as the Outreach Specialist for the Southcentral Region, covering Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. With a Master of Arts in Special Education focusing on Visual Impairments and Orientation & Mobility from Texas Tech University, Stephanie has over 20 years of experience in the field. Her roles have included TVI and COMS in both Texas and Colorado. She is also the webmaster for Texas AER. Stephanie is pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation. Previously, she was the State Lead for the Texas Sensory Support Network at ESC Region 11, where she offered technical assistance and professional development throughout the state. Stephanie lives in Texas with her family.

Taylor McDonald Ma., TVI, COMS, is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and the Lead Orientation and Mobility Specialist for Equalize Sensory Services. She mentors, inspires and educates the Equalize Team and others throughout the country, through “Stepping Out”, a program she created focused on helping O&M’s grow in confidence when conducting assessments. Taylor was born with a visual impairment, but slipped through the cracks regarding vision services, like many low vision students do. This is one of the driving forces that Taylor uses to help her connect to students and families. Taylor loves to educate students and mentor teachers. She hopes that through her life experiences and professional training that she can help students and teachers grow into all they were created to be.

Paige Buckingham has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 35 years. Her career has included 32 years in public schools working with students from birth to age 21. While most of her time was spent as a Special Education Facilitator focusing on Assistive Technology and Related Services, she also worked as a general education teacher and Speech-Language Pathologist. Having failed retirement, Paige is now an independent consultant for Buckingham Educational Services & Training, LLC (BEST) and the Assistive Technology Lead Facilitator for Kansas Infinitec. Paige presents nationally as a pre-conference speaker, keynote, and presenter at numerous state and national conferences on Executive Functioning Skills and the Impact on Behavior, Assistive Technology, and Augmentative Alternative Communication. She co-authored Harnessing Collective Efficacy in AAC (2025, Buckingham and Zillinger, Closing the Gap Magazine).

Jane Korsten. M.A., SLP- has an undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Kansas, a M.A. in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Illinois and has taken additional post graduate courses at University of Kansas, University of Missouri at Kansas City, University of Nebraska, Hamline University, Ottawa University and Research Institute for Assistive and Training technologies (RIATT), University of New Mexico.
She has worked as a speech pathologist and AT resource with individuals from “birth to earth” having significant sensory motor differences and autism. She has worked in public schools, supported living settings for adults and private practice developing alternate communication systems for individuals who are non-verbal. She was the principal investigator on an Innovative Research Grant funded through the National Institutes of Health. This three-year research project led to the development of Every Move Counts: a sensory based approach to communication.
 
 

Kia Boyd received her Masters in Library and Information Sciences in 2020 and has worked in public, school, and special libraries for 7 years. She is now the Director of the Kansas Instructional Resource Center, where she manages a collection of adaptive curriculum and materials for the blind and low vision students in Kansas. She also manages the yearly Federal Quota Registration.

Lisa Karney - Coming Soon!! 

Disclaimer: "Sponsorship of presenters/workshops by KSSB does not imply endorsement of a particular philosophy, product, or procedure.  The educational material and techniques presented at this meeting reflect the views of the presenters and have been made available by KSSB "as is" for educational and informational purposes only and not as professional advice for specific cases or circumstances.  The material and techniques discussed in these presentations reflect the best practices at the time of their development and should be used with the clear understanding that continued new knowledge or recommendations could emerge."

Sponsored by: KSSB, KIRC & the KS Deafblind Project in partnership with TASN. 

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ACVREP RPPLE CE Credits available 

Keynote Speaker: Cory Scheer (8:30 am - 9:30 am)

Title: The Trust Advantage - Unlocking Leadership, Team, and Organizational Greatness

Description: 
Every organization is built on trust- or struggles without it. The most successful leaders, teams, and organizations don't just talk about trust- they intentionally build, protect, and leverage it as their greatest competitive advantage. Research proves that high-trust organizations outperform low-trust ones in revenue, productivity, retention, engagement, and innovation. 

Dr. Cory Scheer doesn't just speak about trust- he's spent years researching, applying, and helping leaders around the world harness its power. Backed by his doctoral research, national studies, and international client work, Cory delivers data-driven yet deeply human approach to building trust at every level of an organization. This keynote goes beyond inspiration- it provides real-world strategies to build, sustain, and restore trust in leadership, teams, and organizational culture. It also answers the question of how conflict, leadership transitions, and generational dynamics change trust-strengthening strategies. Using compelling case studies and proven frameworks, Cory transforms trust from an abstract concept into an immediate, measurable advantage that drives long-term success both within an organization and for our customers.

Objectives:  

• Why Trust is your Greatest Asset- Discover the research-backed link between trust, leadership effectiveness, and organizational success.
• The Structure of Trust Framework- A simple, powerful model for understanding how trust is built, broken, and rebuilt.
• Proven Strategies for High-Trust Teams- Actionable techniques to enhance communication, increase transparency, and create a culture of trust that fuels results.
• Generational Trust Dynamics- Understand how different generations perceive, value, and express trust- and how leaders can tailor their approach to build trust across generational lines. 

Session 1 Presentations (9:35 am - 10:35 am)

Title:  It's More than Touch: Early Tactual Development in Infants and Toddlers
Location: Bosin 3 (9:35 am - 10:35 am)
Presenter: Cathy Smyth

Description:  
Research on early tactual skills and Exploratory Procedures (EPs) in other fields can guide our teaching when providing infants and toddlers opportunities to practice tactual skills in routines and natural environments with families. This presentation will explore what we already know and share strategies and assessments to help start our students on the right path!

Objectives: 

• Discuss early tactual development research and what we know now.
• Describe and recognize Exploratory Procedures (EPs)
• Create next step routine-based tactual strategies to use with families in home environments.
• Choose appropriate assessment options in tactual development.

Title: CVI Materials
Location:  Station 2 (9:35 am - 10:35 am)
Presenter: Stephanie Walker 

Description:  
 

Objectives: 

Title: All You Need to Know about State Assessments for Students with VI
Location:  Station 1 (9:35 am - 10:35 am)
Presenter: Lisa Karney

Description: 
 

Objectives: 

Title:  Stepping Out Part 1: Preparing For and Conducting an In-School O&M Assessment
Location: Riverview (9:35 am - 10:35 am)
Presenter: Taylor McDonald

Description:  
Assessment tools: digging into new tools and strategies for conducting O&M assessments with confidence. (Session 1 required to attend Session 2, 3, and 4) 

Objectives:  

• Introducing the Equalize parent and student O&M
• Questionnaires, the OMCAT (O&M Cumulative Assessment Tool) and reviewing other commonly known tools i.e. the VISSIT

Session 2 Presentations (10:45 am - 11:45 am)

Title: Creating Mealtime Routines for Infants and Toddlers with Visual Impairment
Location: Bosin 3 (10:45 am - 11:45 am)
Presenter: Cathy Smyth

Description: 
This presentation will share the Mealtime Routine Visual Impairment (MRVI) Intervention project, intended to guide and change early intervention (EI) practitioner knowledge and skills about the development of appropriate routines, interactions, and skills to foster independent eating in young children with visual impairment. Interactive activities and videos will share successful strategies and resources for families created with the research. This project was funded by the Institute of Educational Sciences and housed at the University of Northern Colorado. 

Objectives: 

• Participants will examine the results of the MRVI Intervention project to discuss implications for the field of visual impairment.
• Participants will observe videos of mealtime routines to problem solve strategies to support families.
• Participants will create an optimal mealtime environment adapted for an infant or toddler using research-based strategies.

Title: Braille Notetakers: Chameleon and Mantis
Location: Station 2 (10:45 am - 11:45 am)
Presenter: Stephanie Walker

Description: 
 

Objectives: 

Title:  KIRC and the APH Federal Quota Registration
Location:  Station 1 (10:45 - 11:45)
Presenter: Kia Boyd

Description: 
Highly suggested for new TSVIs, “KIRC and the APH Federal Quota Registration” will cover how and why the yearly APH registration is done. We will go over WebOrder and how to use it to complete registration, and how to order materials from KIRC. 

Objectives:  

• Understand why the APH registration is performed every year, and how federal funds are dispersed.
• Understand how to perform registration through WebOrder, KIRC's website through which teachers can access their student's information.
• Understand how to order materials and books for students and the teacher's own use through WebOrder.
• A brief overview of the types of materials available from KIRC.

Title:  Stepping Out Part 2: Writing the O&M Report & Presenting with Confidence
Location: Riverview (10:45 am - 11:45 am)
Presenter: Taylor McDonald

Description:  
Applying the VISSIT to a sample student to determine appropriate service time.

Objectives: 

• Analyze a present level of performance for a sample student.
• Demonstrate the VISSIT by having a participant read the present level aloud then have participants guess aloud what they think the students service time should be.
• Together as a group, fill out the VISSIT to see if they were on the right track.

LUNCH (11:50 am - 12:50 pm) Waco Lobby

Session 3 Presentations (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm)

Title: Experiences with Families and Pediatric Ophthalmologists in the Clinic
Location:  Bosin 3 (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm)
Presenter:  Cathy Smyth

Description:  
Opportunities to attend pediatric ophthalmology visits with families can result in positive understandings for both families and early intervention vision providers. This presentation will explore the lived experiences of a pediatric ophthalmology clinic as we worked together to improve knowledge about a family's needs and expectations.

Objectives: 

• Participants will listen to suggestions from a pediatric ophthalmologist on what to expect from a visit.
• Participants will examine and prepare strategies to support families at the ophthalmology visit.
• Participants will value the benefits for both ophthalmologists and early intervention vision professionals in attending the eye visit.

Title:  Exploring Low Vision Services 
Location:  Station 2 (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm)
Presenter:  Stephanie Walker

Description:  
 

Objectives: 

Title:  Vision, Voice, and Choice: Navigating AAC Options for Complex Visual Needs
Location:  Station 1 (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm)
Presenters:  Paige Buckingham and Jane Korsten 

Description:  
This session will equip educators, speech-language pathologists, and parents with the knowledge and skills to improve AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) strategies for individuals with cortical visual impairment (CVI). Examining best practices in AAC, symbol selection, and application bridges understanding with practical use. Key objectives include understanding the visual processing challenges of those with CVI and emphasizing collaboration with Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments to create effective solutions. Participants will learn to recognize the visual preferences of individuals with CVI, select appropriate symbols, systems, and devices, and adapt communication methods like partner-assisted scanning and tactile or auditory channels.

Objectives:  

• Gain an understanding of the impact of vision, specifically CVI, on AAC access, symbol choices, and device selection.
• Explore/discuss strategies for developing a collaborative process for educators, SLPs, and TVIs.
• Apply knowledge through the review of scenarios and identify when alternative communication methods (e.g., partner-assisted scanning, tactile symbols, or auditory channels) are more suitable for individuals with CVI.

Title:  Stepping Out Part 3: Conducting an O&M Assessment Using Video Footage
Location: Riverview (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm)
Presenter:  Taylor McDonald

Description:  Looking at the various parts of an O&M Assessment and determining what is needed to paint an accurate picture of the student.

Objectives: 

• Have participants verbally share about a time they read a bad O&M Assessment. What made it bad?
• Discuss what should be included in an assessment that would make it good and why those parts are important.
• Compare 2 assessments summaries and talk about what was done well and not done well with both. Why was one better than the other?

Session 4 Presentations (2:10 pm - 3:10 pm)

Title:  What Does “Up” Mean? Concept Development for Infants and Toddlers 
Location:  Bosin 3 (2:10 pm - 3:10 pm)
Presenter:  Cathy Smyth

Description:  
Although concept development is recognized as a critical area of instruction in the field of visual impairment and in the broader field of early childhood education, very little is documented on how basic concepts are taught in early intervention. Developing age accepted strategies and assessments requires the understanding of how all young children learn, and the need for specialized tactile materials.

Objectives: 

• Participants will distinguish the different perceptions that TSVIs and COMS experience regarding concept development from research.
• Participants will identify the levels of concept development understanding and how relationships affect those levels.
• Participants will categorize basic relational concepts to apply to their teaching in the natural environment.

Title:  Tactile View/ Page Blaster
Location: Station 2 (2:10 pm - 3:10 pm)
Presenter: Stephanie Walker

Description:  
 

Objectives: 

Title:  Supporting Executive Function Skills in Expanded Core Curriculum
Location:  Station 1 (2:10 pm - 3:10 pm)
Presenter:  Paige Buckingham and Jane Korsten

Description:  
Executive Function (EF) skills- such as time management, organization, and emotional regulation- are critical for student independence and success. For students with visual impairments, these skills are deeply connected to the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), including areas like independent living, self-determination, and orientation and mobility. This session will focus on how to recognize EF challenges and integrate intentional instruction into everyday routines, using the ECC as a framework. Educators will leave with practical strategies to build EF skills across all areas of the ECC and support long-term student growth.

Objectives: 

• Understand how Executive Function skills align with key areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum.
• Identify common EF challenges in students with visual impairments and how they appear in daily routines.
• Learn practical strategies to teach and reinforce EF skills through meaningful, ECC-based instruction.

Title:  Stepping Out Part 4: Reviewing the O&M Assessment, Determining Service Delivery & Goal Writing
Location:  Riverview (2:10 pm - 3:10 pm)
Presenter:  Taylor McDonald

Description:  
Apply what was learned in the first 3 sessions to present O&M assessment results and recommendations with confidence.

Objectives: 

• Have participants share an experience where they did not have confidence and why. What was the result?
• Propose the question: Why do we need to have confidence when presenting our findings in the IEP meeting?
• Share top 10 things to remember when presenting your assessment results